Single Tooth Replacement

People missing one tooth, or even a few teeth, no longer have to rely on traditional bridges that destroy healthy tooth structure to span the gap. A more conservative and longer-lasting option can be found with dental implants, which can replace one or more teeth to complete your smile!

Traditional bridges require grinding healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth into pegs to fit crowns that hold the bridge in place. And although bridges have a longstanding history in dentistry, crowning perfectly healthy teeth, which compromises the long-term health of the teeth, is not a conservative procedure.

This method of tooth replacement can be very aesthetic and functional for a period of time. However, a traditional bridge does not replace the bone that previously surrounded the root of the tooth. Since there is no longer a root to hold the bone in place, the bone deteriorates, or melts away.

With dental implants no healthy teeth are compromised. Furthermore, dental implants preserve the supporting bone. Cared for properly, with regular check-ups, cleanings, and daily oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.

There are many advantages to replacing a single missing tooth with an implant-supported crown:

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It looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth

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It is much more aesthetic long term

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It does not decay

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There is no need to grind down the adjacent natural teeth into pegs as with a traditional bridge

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The bone is preserved, preventing a visible bony defect

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It is more hygienic (easier to clean) than a traditional bridge

To learn more about the many benefits of dental implants you may want to attend one of the free dental implant seminars offered by the Arizona Institute for Periodontics and Dental Implants. Sign up for our free seminar or call (623) 584-0664 for more information or a no-obligation consultation with a specialist in periodontics and dental implants.